Birth Mother's Medical Bills?

Question

My husband and I adopted a baby girl 8 months ago. The adoption was finalized in January. We were told by the social worker and the attorney that we hired for the birth mother that she would be covered under her partents' insurance plans (she was 14).

Just last week, we received a call from our attorney stating that the parents told him that their claims were denied. All of the bills (approx $21,000) have gone to collection agencies & we have been informed that we are now responsible for all of the bills.

Any tips on where I go from here? I'd like to negotiate with the hospital, since I can't turn it in on my insurance; however, I'm not sure where to start.

Answer 1

sounds very shady.  I would hire a lawyer --a seperate attoney to deal with it.

Answer 2

First, you need to check the agreement you made. What did you agree to be responsible for and when? Why didn't the girl's parents' insurance cover her? Don't just go on the word of the parents, ask for documentation from the parent's insurance company. If you were at any time supposed to be in the financial loop, why were you not put into the loop prior to the accounts going to collections, when you would have had a better chance of making a deal or payment arrangement without incurring interest and a ding on your credit?

After you find out the answer to these questions and you determine that you are indeed responsible for the bills, try to contact the Business Office of the hospital directly and explain the situation. You may be able to negotiate a lesser bill if you are able to pay the entire amount in one payment. See if they will offer the cash rate or the "preferred" insurance rate. Regarding the OB-contact his office directly and follow the same procedure. Make sure you follow up your conversations with a letter delineating your agreement. In the letter, document dates and names of who you spoke with and what their scope or title is.

Answer 3

Since this really is a legal question, you should consult with an attorney that knows adoption law.  I would not use the attorney that you hired for the birth mother as he would have a conflict of interest.  

From an insurance point of view I would want to know WHY the claims were denied under her parent's policy and IF there is any recourse.  Assuming that the denial was correct, and apart from a contract with the birth mother stating that you would cover any medical expenses that insurance didn't cover, I would think that you would be responsible for your child's bills but not the birth mother's.  If, however, a contract makes you liable, then you should contact the hospital to work out a payment plan.  They will most likely accept any reasonable offer.

Answer 4

wait wait wait.

1st. Why were the bills denied?

2nd.Bills for the 14yr old, or the baby?

3rd. Are you SURE your insurance won't cover the baby?

Call your insurance. A LOT of policies cover adopted babies from the time the baby comes your financial responsibility... So, they may cover a lot, if not all, of the newborn's charges.

The birth mom's not your financial responsibility. I can't imagine how you would be responsible for her hospital bills...  Try speaking with the hospital business office. Don't automatically try setting up a payment plan... Check into finding out more about why the birth mother's insurance won't pay.

Answer 5

Call the Hospital , Hospitals WILL work with you. Making the call is the First step.

Congrats on your new baby !!

Answer 6

Call the agency the Social worker worked for. Then if you do not like their answer or not given, another attorney for information . If your attorney gave you the ok that they would be paid, you paid him/her a fee and they should have investigated this more. Report him/her to your State BAR ASSOC. (holds licensing of your attorney, and should help you or refer to the correct agency to help.)

Adoption is a very involved process and your legal rep, if not 100% sure about the hospital bills should have at least mentioned the possibility.